The atmosphere is composed of approximately 78% nitrogen. This makes nitrogen the most abundant gas in the Earth’s atmosphere. The remaining 22% consists of other gases, including oxygen (about 21%), argon (around 0.93%), carbon dioxide (about 0.04%), and trace amounts of other gases.
Nitrogen plays a crucial role in the atmosphere and the environment. It’s an inert gas, meaning it doesn’t easily react with other substances, which helps create a stable atmosphere. Additionally, nitrogen is a key component of amino acids and nucleic acids, essential for life on Earth. The relatively high proportion of nitrogen allows for stability in the atmosphere, which is important for maintaining life.